Pianist Drew Petersen in concert on Sept. 13

Although not yet 20, Petersen has an extensive repertory that includes major works by Liszt, Mendelssohn, and Chopin. For his Waynesville program Drew has chosen works by Robert Schumann, Franz Liszt, and the Samuel Barber "Sonata in E-flat minor, Op. 26."

Petersen is what many would consider a child prodigy. In 2000, when he was 7 years old, he began serious piano study. In 2005, at age 12, he was the first prize winner in the Manhattan School of Music Concerto Competition. He was a Chopin Foundation scholarship recipient for the last four years. He currently attends Julliard School, majoring in piano performance and chamber music studies. In addition he is pursuing a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree at Harvard University.

Petersen has participated in several international festivals and prestigious competitions. He has studied inTolentino, Italy, Verbier, Switzerland, and Leipzig, Germany. In the United States he participated in the 2011 Hilton Head International Young Artist Piano Competition where he received the second prize. He and his mother were featured on Katie Couric’s January 8th program highlighting families with exceptional children.

Tickets for the performance are available at the Haywood County Arts Council on Main Street in Waynesville and also at HART.

Haywood County Arts Council believes in the power of creativity to strengthen communities, to support local traditions, and to build pride in cultural heritage. This belief motivates us to nurture the growth and accessibility of art and crafts throughout the Western North Carolina Mountains by partnering with civic groups, schools, and other art organizations.

To these ends, Haywood County Arts Council promotes visibility and support for the visual arts, performing arts, as well as traditional and evolving craft movements in Western North Carolina.